Marcus Antonsson suggests he could have impressed under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds

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Marcus Antonsson has Norwegian outlet VG that he might have stayed at Leeds United had he been given the chance to shine under Marcelo Bielsa – instead moving to Swedish league leaders Malmo in 2018.

Antonsson, 29, was Garry Monk’s first signing when the ex-Swansea boss moved to Elland Road in 2016. But Antonsson struggled in England, scoring just three goals in 21 games. He was loaned to Blackburn during 2017-18.

A return to his home country came about in the summer of 2018 and Antonsson hit the ground running – scoring 23 goals in 69 games during his first two seasons with the club. However, he has since been loaned to Stabaek.

Now plying his trade with the Norwegian side, Antonsson reflected on being sold just weeks before Bielsa arrived at Elland Road. He spoke about how he might have impressed under the guidance of the Argentine.

“My development in Leeds was stopped by injuries,” Antonsson said. “You learn a lot (in another country), and it is useful to get out of Scandinavia and get your football tested in England. I felt I developed in England.

“Bielsa came (to Leeds) right after I had left and it was a bit awkward that I did not get the chance to show myself in front of him. You don’t know, maybe he had thought I was very good. But you cannot look back.”

TBR’s view – Would Antonsson have impressed under Bielsa?

The Swede boasts versatility – a trait that Bielsa loves his players to have, as it gives the Argentine a smaller squad of players to work with, something which he prefers. Antonsson can play on either flank, and up front.

But it must be stated that Antonsson struggled at Leeds and only managed eight goals in 34 games during Blackburn’s League One promotion. However, not many would have expected Mateusz Klich to improve so much.